What's happening at Willard Library for Juneteenth in Battle Creek?
According to a community announcement, local author J.R. Reynolds will present 'Profiles in Perseverance: The Freedom Seekers and Freedom Fighters Who Helped Build Battle Creek.' The event will focus on stories of resilience within Battle Creek's Black community.
Reynolds will highlight notable figures, including doctors Carl and Donna Powell, Viola Johnson, and classical performing artist Mattie Robbins Willis. Audience members will have the opportunity to share their own reflections and memories of those featured.
Find out how to sign up: Willard Library's summer reading kickoff has fun for the whole family
More news: Need an advanced directive? Oaklawn Hospital offers help, answers health care questions
On Friday, June 20, at noon, the library will hold a workshop discussing the book 'The Anatomy of Peace: Resolving the Heart of Conflict.' Participants will explore how true liberation is reflected in communities and relationships. The workshop will focus on the book's core message, emphasizing the importance of viewing others as people rather than obstacles.
The celebration continues on Saturday, June 21, with the Juneteenth Family Day Celebration at Claude Evans Park, 320 N. Washington Ave., Battle Creek, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Attendees can visit Willard Library's booth for information about the Summer Reading program and upcoming library events.
Willard Library programs are free and open to the public. For more information, go to WillardLibrary.org or call 269-968-8166 ext. 513.
This story was created by Janis Reeser, jreeser@gannett.com, with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Journalists were involved in every step of the information gathering, review, editing and publishing process. Learn more at https://cm.usatoday.com/ethical-conduct/.
We want your news: How to submit community announcements
This article originally appeared on Battle Creek Enquirer: Juneteenth at Willard Library: Stories, workshops, and family fun
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Buzz Feed
34 minutes ago
- Buzz Feed
Serena Williams Weight Loss Sparks Beauty Standards Debate
Serena Williams's body transformation is under scrutiny once again, and it's really getting out of hand. Conversations around Serena's weight change began last month, when she shared a few gym selfies that showed off her washboard abs, toned arms, and a noticeably thinner figure. After the tennis star posted the images, several commenters accused her of using Ozempic, while others claimed she looked completely unrecognizable: But despite the remarks, Serena also had a ton of people supporting her and calling out the criticism: And although many fans flooded her comments with positivity, unfortunately, it didn't stop others from continuing to spread negativity by attacking her physical appearance. On Sunday, the 43-year-old mother of two did what any woman would do if she saw a mirror while really feeling her outfit — she took a mirror selfie and shared it with the world. But the selfies seemed to trigger some people on the internet. There were those who brought up Ozempic again... ...while others believed Serena was trying to adhere to Eurocentric beauty standards like being slim and blonde, while also feeding into Hollywood's stereotypical ideals for women. The conversations around Black women and hair have always been complicated for many non-Black people, when it's really pretty simple. Women in general love trying new hairstyles, but Black women in particular seem to receive the most backlash simply for expressing themselves. Whether it's the frequency at which we switch between styles, the colors we wear, the hair that we add or remove from our heads, the accessories we wear in them, or the actual look of the hairdos, it's often viewed under a negative light until someone else does it. It happened when Serena first hit the court sporting colorful beads in her hair, and it's still happening today with blonde hair that she's been rocking for over a decade. But alleging that Serena wearing a specific hair color is a form of "white appropriation" is just weird and harmful. I also believe this way of thinking is rooted in ignorance, in the sense that someone who isn't familiar with how deep-rooted experimentation with hair in the Black community is, and how it was once used to signify status, a way to take a political stance, and more. Before I go on a tangent, let's get back to Serena! Outside of the backlash, the Olympian also had a string of supporters who rallied behind her: It almost feels like a "damned if you do, damned if you don't" situation because she was scrutinized for her physical build the majority of her career, because she was "bigger" than other women in the sport. Now that she's smaller, she's still being criticized. And while Serena has yet to address the negativity, I feel it's important to shine a light on these discussions that happen around women's bodies in hopes of changing the way we approach them. Now, I know people like to use the excuse that celebrities "signed up" to be judged, but there has to be a line. They are still human at the end of the day. They don't deserve hate or to live up to the ideas of them that you've created in your mind.
Yahoo
43 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Malcolm-Jamal Warner's Podcast Cohost Honors Him During Heartbreaking Tribute Episode
Candace Kelley, the grieving cohost of Malcolm-Jamal Warner's podcast, "Not All Hood," paid tribute to the late actor in an emotional episode published on July 25, 2025. In the episode, Kelley was joined by one of Warner's former co-stars, Jessica Miesel, who also shared a heartfelt message about the beloved actor. Malcolm-Jamal Warner's Podcast Cohost Honors Him In Emotional Episode Days After His Death Warner first revealed his podcast, "Not All Hood," with a teaser video shared on YouTube in May 2024. Since then, he, along with his cohorts, Weusi Baraka and Kelley, have uploaded a number of episodes focusing on a range of topics, from fatherhood to spirituality. In a recent episode hosted by Kelley, she, along with several others, including "The Resident" star Miesel, paid tribute to the iconic actor following his tragic death. "I was so struck by his endless curiosity and his warmth and his elegance," Miesel said about Warner. "But, mainly, his ability to make me and others feel like an equal. I never felt like he was looking down at anybody else." Miesel shared that one of her "favorite" things about Warner was "his laugh" and his infectious sense of humor, adding, "... even doing a serious surgery scene and he would add something completely silly to the end of it." Kelley Honored Malcolm-Jamal Warner For Doing More For Black Actors Kelley, for her part, praised Warner, who also appeared in "A Different World" and "Malcolm & Eddie," for advocating for Black actors to play roles that challenged stereotypes. 'He really was on a mission to make sure that the tropes about the Black community are not continued,' she said. 'We'd have these conversations because all the dramas on TV are about gangs and the street and drugs and kingpins." Kelley added, 'But a lot of people don't know that he often turned down a lot of parts in these types of shows. He'd say, 'It's good writing, but it's not a good message.'" Malcolm-Jamal Warner Spent His Final Moments With His Daughter Before Drowning In Costa Rica The tribute episode comes just days after the shocking news of Warner's death was first reported. According to a previous report from The Blast, Warner was swimming with his 8-year-old daughter in Costa Rica when they were caught in a rip current. A police report noted that surfers in the area noticed Warner and his daughter struggling in the water and rushed to their aid. Warner's daughter was brought to shore, followed by Warner himself, who then received 45 minutes of CPR. An autopsy confirmed that Warner's cause of death was "asphyxiation by submersion." A spokesperson from the Forensic Pathology Department ruled his passing accidental. Police Said Warner Fought For His Daughter In The Water Elberth León, head of the Tourist Police for Costa Rica's Atlantic region, later provided more detail on the rip current Warner and his daughter were caught in, revealing the late actor fought ferociously to save her. 'Both were dragged by the current,' León shared with Us Weekly. 'They were bathing together and were caught by a rip current. Obviously, as a father, he fought for his daughter, but the current in that area is very strong, and they couldn't accomplish the objective.' Celebrities Speak Out About Losing Warner Many celebrities, including Kerry Washington and Jamie Foxx, have shared emotional tributes dedicated to Warner and his legacy. His "Cosby Show" co-star, Raven Symoné, also posted a heartfelt tribute, saying that "words cannot describe the pain and sadness and surprise that I feel with the recent loss of MJW." Symoné went on to call Warner a "big brother" before praising his talent in the entertainment industry. "So gentle, and my heart and soul and hugs, and kisses go out to his daughter and his wife, and his mother," Symoné said. She continued, "He gave the best advice, he gave the best hugs, and his smile will always be a huge, bright f-cking white smile in my head forever," adding, "I love you, and I know you're watching over all of us now. Bye, Malcolm." And she wasn't the only "Cosby Show" alum to speak out. Bill Cosby also shared a statement through his rep, likening Warner's death to the murder of his son, Ennis Cosby, who died in 1997. "It's just devastating," he said. Solve the daily Crossword
San Francisco Chronicle
an hour ago
- San Francisco Chronicle
Rebecca Black brings queer euphoria to Outside Lands with pulsing back-to-back sets
Rebecca Black performs with a set meant to contrast signs used by the infamous anti-gay, Westboro Baptist Church, on day three of Outside Lands in San Francisco on Sunday, Aug. 10, 2025. Richard H. Grant/S.F. Chronicle Rebecca Black didn't just redeem 'Friday,' she proved she can get the party started any day of the week with her electric back-to-back sets on Outside Lands' final day. First, the hyperpop singer lit up the San Francisco festival's Sutro stage with an energetic late afternoon performance on Sunday, Aug. 10. Joined onstage by two backup dancers dressed in camouflage print tank tops and brown furry shorts, Black busted out full choreography during most of her songs, bringing an infectious energy that seemed to revive even the most exhausted three-day festivalgoers. End-of-Summer Sale! 25¢ for 3 months. Save on access. End-of-Summer Sale! 25¢ for 3 months. Save on access. ACT NOW 'Outside Lands is a moment I have dreamed of for years,' Black said of her Golden Gate Park debut. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Rebecca Black performs with a set meant to contrast signs used by the infamous anti-gay, Westboro Baptist Church, on day three of Outside Lands in San Francisco on Sunday, Aug. 10, 2025. Richard H. Grant/S.F. Chronicle Noting that she's 'a California girl myself — I'm from the O.C., so I'm not as cool as any of you,' Black said she remembers 'being in high school and watching my favorite artists and bands play this festival.' The Mexican American singer rose to internet fame at the age of 13, with her viral song 'Friday' becoming the most disliked YouTube video in 2011. Though Black received intense online hate for the track, she pushed forward, continuing to release music in the years that followed. But only now has she been able to creep back to the mainstream, with flirty upbeat tunes like 'Worth It for the Feeling' and 'Doe Eyed' topping the playlists of queer Gen Zers. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Rebecca Black performs with a set meant to contrast signs used by the infamous anti-gay, Westboro Baptist Church, on day three of Outside Lands in San Francisco on Sunday, Aug. 10, 2025. Richard H. Grant/S.F. Chronicle 'And they tried to call me a one-hit wonder,' she said with a wink while performing a mashup of 'Friday' and her more recent song 'Sugar Water Cyanide,' which was released last December and rapidly gained popularity online. Black, who was dressed in a ruffle-trimmed lime green-and-black striped mini dress, let her playful personality shine through onstage with her props. The queer artist's set featured a handful of picket signs intended to parody those frequently used by members of the Westboro Baptist Church and others to protest Pride events. Instead of the Bible verses and anti-gay rhetoric, however, hers displayed tongue-in-cheek nods to the LGBTQ+ community such as 'Str8? See Rebecca Black' and 'Homo sex is life.' Rebecca Black comes to the Dolores stage to perform a DJ set after her show on the Sutro Stage on the third day of Outside Lands in San Francisco on Sunday, Aug. 10, 2025. Richard H. Grant/S.F. Chronicle An hour after wrapping at Sutro, Black drew another overflowing crowd onto the Polo Field, where she closed out Dolores' with an equally captivating DJ set. Hundreds of fans spilled out of the open-air queer dance space, bathed in strobe lights and bouncing along to Black's remixes of party staples like Charli XCX 2016 hit 'Vroom Vroom' and LMFAO's 2011 club banger 'Party Rock Anthem.' Even when Irish folk singer Hozier hit the nearby Lands End stage for his headlining set 10 minutes before Black wrapped up, many fans stuck around to continue dancing with the 'TRUST!' singer. San Francisco fans have embraced Black over the years, offering the singer a safe and supportive space for her to flaunt her queer identity onstage. And it's clear that love hasn't waned. Black has consistently drawn enthusiastic crowds throughout the city since she performed Portola Festival 2024 on Pier 80, including for a DJ set at the Downtown First Thursdays block party in December and last month at Chase Center, where she opened for Katy Perry's Lifetimes Tour. Chronicle Senior Arts and Entertainment Editor Mariecar Mendoza contributed to this report.
